French legend Zinedine Zidane is rumored to be Manchester United’s next manager and appears to have made a decision on his long-awaited return to the dugout.
Manchester United are linked with Zinedine Zidane (Image: Getty Images)
Zinedine Zidane has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to become France’s new coach after the World Cup. The legendary former midfielder has left Real Madrid for the second time and has been out of work since 2021.
In the four-and-a-half years since then, Zidane has taken on a number of roles, including at Manchester United and his other former club, Juventus. However, it appears his return to the dugout could happen on the international stage.
According to reports in Italy, Zidane has reached a verbal agreement to take charge of the French national team after this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Compatriot Didier Deschamps is currently the manager, but his contract is due to expire after the tournament.
Deschamps, 57, has been in charge of the French national team since 2012, leading the country to the World Cup finals two years in a row and winning the championship in 2018. Speaking about his stance on returning as manager earlier this season, Zidane said: “It will happen soon. Very soon.”
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He added, “I want to be the head coach of the French national team someday. I will definitely return to coaching.”
Zidane’s potential move to international management could finally put an end to rumors of a move to United. Michael Carrick was recently appointed as manager until the end of the season, but is now being considered for the job on a permanent basis.
He has impressed with his eye-catching form and manager Wayne Rooney has suggested he should be handed the role full-time. He said: “We’ve been there and tried different managers: (Jose) Mourinho, (Louis) van Gaal, (Eric) ten Hag, (Ruben) Amorim, but for me Carrick makes sense.”
Didier Deschamps resigns as France coach after World Cup (Image: Getty Images)
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Rooney added: “Not just because we’ve played together and are friends, but because he’s a really calming influence. Having someone who knows the club and cares about the club makes a big difference. Michael manages the whole team and manages the team well.”
“Sometimes we ignore what’s right in front of us and say we’re not interested in a football club, but a manager comes from Turkey or Spain and is going to do this.
“At least this (with Carrick) will give the club a foundation to continue building on when the infrastructure comes back to the club in a couple of years.”
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